thankful

Thanksgiving week is a favorite of mine for many reasons, most of them quite typical: time spent with family, delicious food, time off from work, the beginning of the holiday season.  I just love it.  This year feels even more special.  We are so blessed to have moved into our first house this year, have a six-month old niece who we love to pieces, have great jobs that we both enjoy, and of course to have our own little one on the way.  Yes, life is good and keeps getting better. 

Thankful for...

Thanksgiving feasting.

A turkey that turned out deliciously.

Time with family near.

Time with family far. (We missed you, Drew!)

Hand-me-down maternity clothes.

That fit this belly as it grows.

Impromptu family photo shoots.

A sweet flying baby niece.

This guy and our cute Christmas tree.

Thankful, indeed.  Happy Thanksgiving!

eighteen

Today I am 18 weeks pregnant.  18! That's just two weeks shy of halfway through with my pregnancy.  I can't say that it has gone quickly but that's not a bad thing.  I don't want my pregnancy to fly by, I want to enjoy it.

I may have said this before but I always thought that I would like being pregnant.  So far, that has held true.  I've been lucky to have avoided morning sickness, by and large.  I have no weird cravings or aversions, only an insatiable appetite which suits me just fine - I think it's always been there, I'm just happy to indulge it now.  My little pumpkin needs the food to grow!  I know that as my body continues to grow that I will experience discomfort, that I will feel large as a barge.  I hope that I'll be able to stay positive and think about why I'm uncomfortable and focus on the extraordinary process that's happening inside of me.

Though I am doing well physically, I have been experiencing some parental impatience.  In just over two weeks we will have our first ultrasound.  I did not have an ultrasound to confirm my due date.  I have not yet seen our baby and I am itching with anticipation to see him or her swimming around in there.  To see that everything is in place.  To know whether our baby is he or she.

Every time I see a cute baby outfit (which is basically daily, thank you online shopping and Pinterest), I want to buy it.  I'm restraining myself...for now.  And the nursery!  Thank goodness that furniture is largely gender neutral - I've at least been able to pick out the baby's larger nursery goods.

Of course, I've still been planning two different nurseries in the meantime.  One for Baby Boy N and one for Baby Girl N.  A travel theme for Baby Boy N and a French/Parisienne theme for Baby Girl N. 

Here are some inspiration shots:

Travel theme for Baby Boy N

French theme for Baby Girl N

Aren't they both so sweet?  I'm loving the French idea and might incorporate some francophilia into the travel theme if our pumpkin is of the masculine variety.  What do you think?

You can see all of my nursery pins here.  Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

lub-dub, lub dub

Earlier this week the most incredible thing happened.

After weeks of anticipation and excitement, we went to our twelve-week prenatal visit.  As a first-time mom, I've had my share of concerns and I knew that this appointment would leave me feeling reassured and calm my fears.  Sitting in the doctor's office I almost couldn't stand the wait.  I just wanted to get onto the examination table and roll up my shirt so they could listen for my child's heartbeat.

The nurse of course, had other plans.  A few questions, a flu shot, small talk with the doctor, clinical talk with the doctor.  And then, after all of that build up, finally, I was lying on the table ready to hear the sound of the life growing in my belly.

Lub-dub.

Lub-dub.

Lub-dub.

There it was.  Beating fast, beating strong.

Our little one is growing and we can't wait to meet our little guy or gal.

How far along? 12 weeks, 6 days - my second trimester begins tomorrow!
Maternity clothes? Not quite yet but my regular wardrobe has shrunk considerably and my normal work pants are out completely.
Food cravings?  Nothing specific, basically any carbs or starchy foods.  Maybe next trimester I'll start craving broccoli or something equally unlikely.
Baby's nickname: Pumpkin.
Gender prediction: Boy but Todd thinks it's a girl most days.

Of course, now that the world knows we're expecting, I've been all over the internet adding things to my Pinterest baby board.  It's been fun to browse and soon, we'll start to get things ready for our little one.

Happy browsing and have a great week!

welcome to griggs & woodward

Our family is growing.  With this new beginning comes excitement, new anxieties, lessons to be learned, and pure joy.  I can't wait to share the journey that lies ahead of us with you.

Welcome to Griggs & Woodward.

Hello

Griggs and Woodward...coming soon!